Paul Freeman is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s New York office and a member of the firm’s Environment & Natural Resources and Government Contracts groups. He brings two decades of diverse experience advising clients in the energy, maritime, and aerospace and defense industries on a range of issues, with a primary emphasis on matters involving enforcement defense, litigation, and risk management.
Paul routinely advises clients in response to investigations by, or inquiries from, a range of regulators, primarily the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and also including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and state attorneys general.
Over the past several years Paul has represented a wide range of fuel suppliers, commodities traders, and other market participants in matters arising under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, including the RFS Quality Assurance Program and the ongoing representation of clients currently confronting enforcement by EPA and DOJ under the RFS regime.
Extending his risk management and investigations practice across multiple industrial sectors, Paul also counsels Fortune 50 defense contractors on compliance with aspects of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including the mandatory disclosure rule, and he routinely conducts internal investigations involving supply chain risks, ethics, quality systems, contract compliance, and potential false claims.
Prior to joining Crowell & Moring, Paul was counsel at a major global law firm.
Speeches & Presentations
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"New Proposed FAR Rule: Climate Disclosures and More for Federal Contractors,"
(December 12, 2022).
Speakers: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, and Issac D. Schabes.
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“Climate Considerations for Government Contractors,” The Coalition for Government Procurement, Crowell & Moring Webinar.
(April 19, 2022).
Speakers: Paul Freeman and Issac D. Schabes
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"Evolving ESG Standards: Disclosures, Procurement, Insurer Demands, and Beyond," Crowell & Moring, Webinar.
(November 16, 2021).
Speakers: Paul Freeman, Kris D. Meade, Thomas A. Hanusik, and Miranda H. Turner.
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"How the Emerging Environmental Justice Paradigm Will Shape Risk Profiles and Investment Opportunities," An Overview of the New Investment Landscape
(October 27, 2021).
Speakers: Jon Kibbe, Kirsten L. Nathanson, and Paul Freeman.
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"How the Emerging Environmental Justice Paradigm Will Shape Risk Profiles and Investment Opportunities," LSTA Webinar
(October 5, 2021).
Speakers: Paul Freeman, Jennifer K. Grady, Jon Kibbe, Elliott P. Laws, Kirsten L. Nathanson.
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"New Administration, New Priorities: Regulatory and Enforcement Priorities of the Biden Administration," OOPS 2021, Crowell & Moring's 37th Annual Ounce of Prevention Seminar
(May 10, 2021).
Presenters: Robert A. Burton, Lorraine M. Campos, Craig Barrett, Paul Freeman, and Stephanie L. Crawford.
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"Environmental Investigations," Investigations: Readiness and Response Webinar Series
(April 30, 2021).
Co-Presenters: Michael Boucher, Derek A. Hahn, Byron R. Brown, and Paul Freeman.
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"A New Day for EJ: Environmental Justice with an ESG Twist," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(March 4, 2021).
Presenters: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, and Eryn Howington.
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"Government Contracts and the Biden Administration’s Priorities: Significant Changes Ahead?" Crowell & Moring Webinar
(January 14, 2021).
Presenters: Jonathan M. Baker, Robert A. Burton, Adelicia R. Cliffe, Kate M. Growley, Stephen J. McBrady, Nicole Owren-Wiest, Preston L. Pugh, Rebecca L. Springer, Craig Barrett, Paul Freeman, and Eric M. Ransom.
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"Infrastructure In Focus: A Deep Dive Look at Water Infrastructure Opportunities and Risks - Part 2," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(December 7, 2020).
Presenters: David Chung, Evan D. Wolff, Byron R. Brown, and Paul Freeman.
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"Election 2020: Environmental Law and Policy," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(October 28, 2020).
Presenters: David Chung, Robert Meyers, Byron R. Brown, Paul Freeman, Amanda Shafer Berman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, and Amy Symonds.
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"Supply Chain – Where Adversaries and Adversity Meet," OOPS 20/20 - Setting Your Sights
(October 19, 2020).
Presenters: Paul Freeman, Chalana N. Damron, Abigail Stokes, and Stephanie L. Crawford.
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"Managing Environmental Compliance and Exposure to Liability During the Coronavirus Crisis," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(April 8, 2020).
Presenters: David Chung, Peter Gray, Robert Meyers, Kirsten L. Nathanson, Byron R. Brown, and Paul Freeman.
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"Navigating an Evolving Supply Chain Landscape in the Face of the Coronavirus Pandemic," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(March 25, 2020).
Presenters: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Evan D. Wolff, Paul Freeman, Michelle D. Coleman, Stephanie L. Crawford, and Michael G. Gruden.
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"GIDEP Reporting for All - The New FAR Counterfeit Parts and Nonconformance Reporting Requirement," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(December 17, 2019).
Presenters: Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman, and Stephanie L. Crawford.
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"Confronting the Challenges of Supply Chain Security," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(September 25, 2019).
Presenters: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Paul Freeman, Kate M. Growley, and Michael G. Gruden.
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"EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Agenda for 2019," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(March 7, 2019).
Speakers: Paul Freeman, Robert Meyers, Thomas A. Lorenzen, Byron R. Brown, Elizabeth B. Dawson, and Preetha Chakrabarti.
Publications
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"Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition For Federal Fleets: A Practical Discussion," National Law Journal
(May 20, 2022).
Authors: Paul Freeman, Thomas A. Lorenzen, and Siyi Shen.
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"Biden’s Environmental Justice Push and its Impact on Retailers’ ESG Considerations," Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(May 26, 2021).
Authors: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson an Lynn Phan.
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"Achieving Biden's EJ Agenda," The Environmental Forum
(May/June 2021).
Authors: Paul Freeman, Tyler O'Connor, Lynn Phan
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"What EPA Crackdown On Defeat Devices Means For Cos." Law360
(January 26, 2021).
Authors: Robert Meyers, and Paul Freeman.
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"Biden Administration to Use Purchasing Power for Climate Change, Clean Energy Goals," Bloomberg Law
(December 22, 2020).
Authors: Paul Freeman, Thomas A. Lorenzen, Elizabeth B. Dawson.
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"Government Contracts – A Secure Supply Chain Is a Competitive Advantage," Crowell & Moring's Regulatory Forecast 2020
(February 26, 2020).
Contributors: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Paul Freeman, and Judy Choi.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
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"FAR Council Delivers Last-Minute Holiday Gift by Extending the Comment Period on Proposed Rule Imposing Mandatory Climate Disclosures for Federal Contractors,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(December 23, 2022).
Contacts: Elizabeth B. Dawson, Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman, Issac D. Schabes
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"Your Climate Disclosures or Your Contracts? Federal Contractors Face Unprecedented Proposed Rule for Mandatory Climate Disclosures,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(November 11, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, Issac D. Schabes
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"Federal Government Seeks Low Carb(on) Diet for Most Construction Materials,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(October 7, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Issac D. Schabes
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"Further Federal Action on Government-Wide Sustainability Goals,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(September 7, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Issac D. Schabes
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"GSA Exploring New Regulations to Reduce Single-Use Plastic in Federal Procurement,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(July 13, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Issac D. Schabes
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"President Biden Employs Defense Production Act and Tariff Act in Domestic Clean Energy Manufacturing Push,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(June 7, 2022).
Contacts: Stephanie L. Crawford, Irina Pisareva, Jonathan M. Baker, Paul Freeman, Larry F. Eisenstat, Robert L. LaFrankie, John B. Brew
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"U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Poised to Execute “Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy”,"
Environment & Natural Resources Law Alert
(May 6, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Felicia L. Isaac
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"Let the Writing Begin: FAR Council Agrees to Draft Proposed Climate Disclosure FAR Amendments,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(April 21, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, Issac D. Schabes
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"Small Changes to NEPA Rules Expected to Have Major Impacts on Federal Environmental Reviews of Infrastructure Projects,"
Environment & Natural Resources Law Alert
(April 20, 2022).
Contacts: Byron R. Brown, Kirsten L. Nathanson, Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson
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"GSA Paves Way for National Carbon Standards in Construction Materials,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(April 6, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Issac D. Schabes
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"GSA Takes “Concrete” Efforts Towards Implementing Buy Clean Construction Policies,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(February 15, 2022).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Byron R. Brown, Issac D. Schabes
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"White House Further Looks to Federal Procurement Power to Address Climate Change,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(December 9, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Byron R. Brown, Issac D. Schabes
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"Agencies Continue to Lay Groundwork for Consideration of Potential FAR Amendments Aimed at Climate Change Risks,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(October 15, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Peter Eyre, Elizabeth B. Dawson, Issac D. Schabes
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"DoD Requests Public Input on Sustainability and Climate-Related Disclosures,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(August 3, 2021).
Contacts: Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman
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"Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk,"
(May 26, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Elizabeth B. Dawson, Lorraine M. Campos
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"Biden’s First 100 Days: Developments to Date and What Lies Ahead,"
Administrative Law Alert
(May 7, 2021).
Contacts: James G. Flood, Michael K. Atkinson, Tim Shadyac, Troy A. Barsky, Byron R. Brown, Caroline E. Brown, Robert A. Burton, Matthew Cohen, Kelly T. Currie, Jodi G. Daniel, W. Scott Douglas, Carina C. Federico, Paul Freeman, Thomas P. Gies, Alexis J. Gilman, Christine B. Hawes, Robert Holleyman, Stacie Heller, S. Starling Marshall, Shelley Su, Jeane A. Thomas, CIPP/E, Scott L. Winkelman, Tiffany Wynn, Kate Beale
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"Confirmation of Haaland as Secretary of the Interior Highlights Potential Reach of Biden Administration’s "All-of-Government" Pursuit of Environmental and Climate Justice Objectives,"
Administrative Law Alert
(March 16, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Daniel W. Wolff, Byron R. Brown, Monty Cooper, Eryn Howington
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"Proposed Climate Bill Would Advance Biden Administration’s Focus on Environmental Justice,"
Administrative Law Alert
(March 4, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Byron R. Brown, Eryn Howington
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"Biden Administration Directs Agencies to Implement and Enforce Environmental Justice Measures,"
Environment & Natural Resources Law Alert
(February 1, 2021).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Eryn Howington
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"President Biden Executive Order Leverages Federal Government's Buying Power to Tackle Climate Change,"
Administrative Law Alert
(January 28, 2021).
Contact: Paul Freeman
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"Election 2020: The DNC and RNC Conventions Present Stark Contrast on Energy and Environmental Agendas,"
Biden 2021 Series
(August 28, 2020).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Tyler A. O'Connor, Byron R. Brown
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"Revisions to DOJ’s Corporate Compliance Guidance Indicate that a Dynamic, Data-Driven and Well-Resourced Compliance Program is More Important than Ever,"
White Collar Alert
(June 8, 2020).
Contacts: Lorraine M. Campos, Paul Freeman, Carlton Greene, Derek A. Hahn, Thomas A. Hanusik, Tiffany Wynn
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"EPA Issues Policy On Conditions For Enforcement Discretion During the Coronavirus Crisis,"
(March 27, 2020).
Contacts: David Chung, Paul Freeman, Warren Lehrenbaum, Thomas A. Lorenzen, Robert Meyers, Kirsten L. Nathanson, Byron R. Brown, Jennifer A. Giblin, Peter Gray
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"The Month in International Trade – November 2019,"
International Trade Bulletin
(December 11, 2019).
Contacts: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Edward Goetz, Walter (Sam) Boone, Adelicia R. Cliffe, Maria Alejandra (Jana) del-Cerro, Paul Freeman
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"Supply Chain Perspectives — Connecting the Dots on Supply Chain Security and Risk Management,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(December 2, 2019).
Contacts: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman, Nicole Owren-Wiest, Michael G. Gruden, CIPP/G
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"Commerce to Publish Proposed Regulations to Implement EO on "Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain","
International Trade Bulletin
(November 26, 2019).
Contacts: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Maria Alejandra (Jana) del-Cerro, Alan W. H. Gourley, Jeffrey L. Snyder, Paul Freeman
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"Enhanced Requirement to Report Counterfeit, Suspect Counterfeit, and Nonconforming Goods,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(November 25, 2019).
Contacts: Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman, Stephanie L. Crawford
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"Supply Chain Perspectives — Connecting the Dots on Supply Chain Security and Risk Management,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(August 22, 2019).
Contacts: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Peter Eyre, Paul Freeman, Michael G. Gruden, CIPP/G
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"Under the Wire: FAR Council Announces Interim Rule to Implement NDAA Procurement Ban on Huawei and Other Chinese Telecommunications Equipment,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(August 13, 2019).
Contacts: Adelicia R. Cliffe, Paul Freeman, Alan W. H. Gourley, Michael G. Gruden, CIPP/G
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"EPA Finalizes E15 Expansion, Scaled-Back RIN Market Reforms under the Renewable Fuel Standard,"
Environment & Natural Resources Law Alert
(June 3, 2019).
Contacts: Elizabeth B. Dawson, Paul Freeman, Robert Meyers, Thomas A. Lorenzen
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"More Storms Ahead for the Defense Sector Supply Chain? GAO to Conduct Review of Climate Change-Driven Security Risks,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(May 29, 2019).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Robert Meyers, Adelicia R. Cliffe, Peter Eyre
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"New Executive Order on IT Supply Chain Takes Aim at Huawei and Others, Poses Significant Implications for Government Contract Supply Chains,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(May 16, 2019).
Contacts: Paul Freeman, Adelicia R. Cliffe, Peter Eyre, Evan D. Wolff
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"DOJ Centralizes Guidance on "The Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs","
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(May 7, 2019).
Contacts: Thomas A. Hanusik, Derek A. Hahn, Tiffany Wynn, Lorraine M. Campos, Paul Freeman, Nkechi Kanu, Payal Nanavati
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"Fuels Alert: EPA’s E15 and RIN Market Reform Proposed Rules out for Public Comment (Due April 29),"
Environment & Natural Resources Law Alert
(March 21, 2019).
Contacts: Elizabeth B. Dawson, Paul Freeman, Thomas A. Lorenzen, Robert Meyers
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"Government Liable for $99 Million in Breach of Contract Damages Under Indemnification Clause,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(July 24, 2018).
Contacts: Stephen J. McBrady, Jonathan M. Baker, David J. Ginsberg, Skye Mathieson, Paul Freeman, Laura J. Mitchell Baker, Charles Baek
Press Coverage
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